The union representing employees at the provincially controlled Liquor Control Board of Ontario has identified this proposal as a major concern in a strike that has shut down the Crown corporation’s retail outlets. However, Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy says his government will not back down from its plan to expand the sale of alcohol into convenience stores. Meanwhile LCBO strike continues.
The government and the union that represents 9,000 workers are at odds over whether to increase the sale of alcohol. Especially ready-to-drink, spirit-based drinks like coolers. To put an end to the strike that started last Friday, no talks are scheduled.
The LCBO said that it will close its physical shops for a week until July 19. After that, 32 sites will reopen with restricted hours, and online ordering will be available.
The LCBO strike may foresee a long drawn and violent conflict over who sells alcohol in Ontario.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union is pushing the government to abandon its proposal to bring ready-to-drink beverages into the private sector. Claiming that the rising demand for these drinks jeopardizes their ability to continue operating as a retail business and generates $2.5 billion in income annually. Although the exact cost of the government’s May announcement of a proposal to expedite beer sales at corner stores by 16 months is unknown. It is anticipated to cost more than the $225 million that was initially stated.
As LCBO strike continued: Mr. Bethlenfalvy referred to the decision to increase the sale of alcohol in the province as “irreversible” during a Monday interview.
He said, “That’s what we campaigned on.” “We’re going to complete that and carry it out.”
The Finance Minister called for the modernization of the LCBO and asked union members to get back to the negotiating table to address matters like pay, benefits, and job security. He claimed that after the negotiations broke down on Thursday, no party has talked.
With around 3,000 convenience stores getting licenses to sell alcohol this autumn, Mr. Bethlenfalvy said that the plan to expand to convenience stores will help small companies. He continued by saying that the LCBO is in a “very excellent position to compete” as a retail business.
He declared, “They offer the widest selection of products.” “Those who choose to purchase goods manufactured in Ontario will have additional options and convenience. Thanks to the LCBO’s excellent positioning.”
He called the union’s accusations that the government is moving closer to complete privatization “crazy”. And said that the LCBO, a publicly traded company, has a role in the market.
He went on to say that workers won’t be made to report back to work by the Ontario government.
Premier Doug Ford came under fire on Monday from the union and opposition lawmakers who claimed the government should be concentrating on health care issues rather than alcohol after he published a video advertising a new web tool that helps users identify locations that sell beer, wine, and cider while the LCBO strike and the stores are closed. According to the administration, it is a part of its long-standing commitment to liberalize alcohol sales in the province and provide customers with greater options.
The LCBO decided to provide online shopping for smaller wholesale purchases. In place of its original intention to open five sites for companies to buy in-store on July 10. And this was canceled on Monday after the union threatened to picket them.
The head of OPSEU’s Liquor Board Employees Division, Colleen MacLeod, stated that her organization thinks the government intends to convert the LCBO into a wholesaler. According to her, the government’s plan will provide the market to CEOs. And big-box retailers rather than local businesses, breweries, and distilleries.
In an interview on Monday, she stated, “The goal here is to limit the footprint of the retail part of the LCBO.”
“The idea is to transfer public funds to large, private firms and CEOs, who will then handle this task and keep the profits.”
The question, according to Ms. MacLeod, is not only about LCBO jobs. But also “What type of Ontario do you want moving forward?”
The government, she said, ran ads promoting beer, wine, and cider at corner shops. But not for spirits-based ready-to-drink drinks, which she predicted would be more accessible to younger consumers.
“I don’t think Ontario wants this at all, even if it means that our collective asset will lose value,” the woman declared.
About nine percent of LCBO sales are made up of ready-to-drink, spirit-based drinks. However, according to Ms. MacLeod, it is one of the fastest-growing marketplaces. And the union is concerned that if these sales decline, there would be a loss of casual jobs. As per the union, around 70% of the workforce is employed in casual jobs.
The government’s commitment to carry out the expansion plan, according to Ms. MacLeod, is detrimental to the discussions.
She remarked, “The Ford government’s digging in is not helpful.” There ought to be conversations taking place. It isn’t beneficial.
